Tanning beds?

Alright, i'm going to be having three ten minute sessions in a tanning bed over the next week so I can look nice for an upcoming event :)





My question is how dangerous are tanning beds really are? What can a few sessions do to your skin? Etc. etc.





I really DON'T want you to answer if you don't know something for sure or if it's not backed up by scientific research yadda yadda yadda. Answers like 'wow you are SOOOOO stupid thats so bad for you your going to look like an old prune by the end of the week cause tanning beds ARE THAT BAD FOR YOU!' or 'Don't worry a thing there's absolutely nothing wrong with it at all!'





I just want an factual, valid answer and not some bias b/c i've got people telling me that the danger is greatly overexaggerated and that the danger is real.





Any links you can provide would be great too thanks.
Tanning beds?
I've been using tanning beds for 20 years so I feel I have reliable advice.





If you only want a tan once in a while I don't see you having much trouble if you are careful. I think the most important thing is not to get burned, no matter if you are in the sun or using a bed. It is better to build up to a tan gradually, when you go for your first tan, ask the attendant to use the minimum amount of time (you said 10 min, try 9) and also read all the warnings regarding fragrances, medications etc. That way you will be able to see how sensitive you are to tanning bed light. Next time if all is good add one minute, and then increase from there. After you get the color you want, going once a week should maintain your new tan. Use a good moisturizer before and after each tan session. If you only do 3 sessions without a burn you will be fine.





I have relatively fair freckled skin and have used a tanning bed an average of 2 times a week during the winter and less during the summer. I have had a few burns from using the bed (new bulbs, reaction to medication). After decades of sunning (in the sun and beds) my skin is rather damaged now, wrinkles and white spots, especially on my back. I also experienced my first skin cancer on my face. I can't blame it on the tanning bed completely as I spent most of the summers growing up in the sun, and getting burned.





My advice is to be careful, it is true that all the burns in you life add up later on. There are great self tanners now ( I am now going to use them) and for just a special occasion once in a while you might experiment with a spray tan too.





Here is a link..


http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/17808/
Tanning beds?
skin cancer. i thought about tanning beds and i was in health class and learned how bad it was and the new seventeen magazine for july has tons of facts try the website seventeen.com and nowdays those self tanning sprays are very advanced so dont worry about turning orange just dont overdo it
Reply:Ok, my mom goes to a tanning bed for 20 minutes each session. Its really better for you than lay out because the sun has harmful rays that the tanning bed doesn't! I did think that tanning beds were going to give you skin cancer, which there is a risk of getting, and I said i was claustrophobic! But I left the top up and I was fine!!! Hope this Helps!
Reply:ucan get skin cancer from iy but when u think about it ur doing a tottaly amount of 30min in a tanning bed which equals about 24hours in the sun.
Reply:Well....i don't have any particular links.





I can / will only speak form experience:


I go to tanning beds every now and then mainly for any upcoming events and stuff like that.





I have pretty fair (light complexion) skin.





I don't really tan quickly i burn (if I'm out in the sun)


BUT...when i go to the tanning beds after a while of NOT getting any "sun" [considering I've tanned in the sun /beds before]...A good 2-3 visits does the trick.





But i might sure i moisturize (my face especially) after tanning %26amp; showering. Because it can make me look a little shaffy / plastic-ish.





**Other than that you should be fine.**





Oh...and don't use the highest bulbs or the full amount of time in the tanning beds either...their really not necessary ESPECIALLY if you don't tan that often.


(i usually start with 8min. then 9. then 10)





P.s-Another tip: Put SPF 15 /30 on your tender spots (like: moles /certain blemishes or birthmarks....%26amp; around ur nips It prevents them from getting a little dark permanantly if their lite.





Hope it helps...Have fun at ur dance.
Reply:Well if you are very pale and haven't been in the sun, 10min will fry you in the tanning bed. Please talk with someone there before getting in. They normally talk with everyone. And tanning beds are just as bad as the sun.